Internet & Utilities Guide for DFW

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Internet & Utilities Guide for DFW

Everything you need to set up internet, electricity, gas, water, and other essential services before moving into your new North Texas home.

Setting up utilities is one of the first practical tasks when relocating to the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. This guide covers the major service categories internet, electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and more so you know what to expect and who to call before your move-in date.

Internet Providers by City

Internet availability varies significantly by address, even within the same city. The table below lists the providers most commonly available in each DFW community. Always verify service at your specific address before purchasing or leasing a home.

CityCommon Internet Providers
AllenAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home
ArlingtonAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, Verizon 5G Home, T-Mobile Home Internet
AubreyFrontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink, Rise Broadband
BedfordAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
BurlesonAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Nextlink, Verizon 5G Home
Cedar HillSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Verizon 5G Home
CelinaFrontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink, Rise Broadband
ColleyvilleAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
DallasAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber (select neighborhoods), T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home, Nextlink (limited), Rise Broadband (limited)
DeSotoSpectrum, AT&T Fiber
DuncanvilleSpectrum, AT&T Fiber
EulessSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber
ForneyAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Nextlink
Fort WorthAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber, T-Mobile Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home
FriscoAT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum, Verizon 5G Home
GarlandAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
Grand PrairieSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Verizon 5G Home
GrapevineSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber
HeathSpectrum, AT&T Fiber (select areas), Nextlink
HurstSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber
IrvingAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
KellerAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
LancasterSpectrum, AT&T Fiber
Little ElmFrontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum
McKinneyAT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum
MesquiteAT&T Fiber, Spectrum
MidlothianAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Nextlink
MurphyAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
North Richland HillsSpectrum, Frontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber
PlanoAT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum
ProsperFrontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum
Red OakSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink
RichardsonAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber
RockwallSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber
RowlettAT&T Fiber, Spectrum
Royse CitySpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink
SachseSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Frontier Fiber
SouthlakeFrontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum
SunnyvaleSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink
TerrellSpectrum, Nextlink, AT&T Fiber
The ColonyFrontier Fiber, AT&T Fiber, Spectrum
WaxahachieSpectrum, AT&T Fiber, Nextlink
WeatherfordSpectrum, Nextlink, AT&T Fiber (select areas)
WylieAT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Frontier Fiber

Major Internet Providers in North Texas

These are the providers you'll encounter most often across the DFW Metroplex. Availability varies by address always verify before committing to a home.

ProviderService TypeCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T FiberFiber Internet800-288-2020att.com/internet
Frontier FiberFiber Internet800-921-8101frontier.com
SpectrumCable Internet833-949-0036spectrum.com
Google FiberFiber Internet866-777-7550fiber.google.com
Nextlink InternetFiber & Fixed Wireless855-698-5465nextlinkinternet.com
Rise BroadbandFixed Wireless844-411-7473risebroadband.com
T-Mobile Home Internet5G Wireless800-937-8997t-mobile.com/home-internet
Verizon 5G Home Internet5G Wireless800-922-0204verizon.com/home/internet

Dallas City Utilities

Dallas has its own utility structure that differs slightly from many DFW suburbs. The city operates in the deregulated electricity market, so you choose your own retail electric provider while Oncor Electric Delivery maintains the power lines and responds to outages. Water, sewer, and trash are all managed directly by City of Dallas departments.

The table below covers every essential service for homeowners within Dallas city limits. Note that utility providers can vary in some annexed areas, condominiums, and new developments always confirm at your specific address.

  • Electricity is deregulated compare plans at PowerToChoose.org using your Dallas ZIP code
  • Oncor maintains the power lines and handles outages regardless of which retail provider you choose
  • Trash and recycling service is billed through your Dallas Water Utilities account
  • Water and sewer new service can be established online or by calling DWU Customer Service
  • Google Fiber is available in select Dallas neighborhoods verify at your specific address
ServiceProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Electricity (choose your provider)TXU, Reliant, Gexa, Green Mountain, Direct Energy, and othersCompare planspowertochoose.org
Power lines & outagesOncor Electric Delivery888-313-4747oncor.com
Natural gasAtmos Energy888-286-6700atmosenergy.com
Water & sewerDallas Water Utilities (DWU)214-651-1441dallas.gov/departments/waterutilities
Trash & recyclingCity of Dallas Sanitation Services311 or 214-670-3111dallas.gov/departments/sanitation
InternetAT&T Fiber800-288-2020att.com/internet
InternetSpectrum833-949-0036spectrum.com
InternetFrontier Fiber (select areas)800-921-8101frontier.com
InternetGoogle Fiber (select neighborhoods)866-777-7550fiber.google.com
InternetT-Mobile Home Internet800-937-8997t-mobile.com/home-internet
InternetVerizon 5G Home Internet800-922-0204verizon.com/home/internet
InternetNextlink Internet (limited coverage)855-698-5465nextlinkinternet.com
InternetRise Broadband (limited coverage)844-411-7473risebroadband.com

Electricity

Most of North Texas is in the deregulated electricity market, meaning you choose your own retail electricity provider (REP) rather than being assigned one. This gives you the ability to compare rates, contract lengths, and renewable energy options.

The official comparison tool for Texas is PowerToChoose.org, operated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Enter your ZIP code to see available plans and rates.

Important exception: some cities operate their own municipal utilities and are not deregulated. These include Garland (Garland Power & Light), Denton (Denton Municipal Electric), and a handful of others. If you're moving to one of these cities, you'll sign up directly with the city's utility department.

  • Deregulated market: use PowerToChoose.org to compare providers
  • Municipal utilities: Garland Power & Light, Denton Municipal Electric, and others
  • Typical summer bills: $150–$400/month for average-sized homes
  • Typical winter bills: $80–$200/month
  • Look for plans with no early termination fees if you're uncertain about your timeline
ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
TXU Energy800-818-6132txu.com
Reliant Energy866-222-7100reliant.com
Direct Energy866-968-8065directenergy.com
Gexa Energy866-961-9399gexaenergy.com
Green Mountain Energy866-785-4668greenmountainenergy.com
Just Energy866-587-8674justenergy.com
Cirro Energy800-692-4776cirroenergy.com
Rhythm Energy888-774-9846gotrhythm.com

Natural Gas

Atmos Energy is the primary natural gas distribution company serving most of the DFW Metroplex. You'll set up service directly with Atmos at atmosenergy.com.

Natural gas is used primarily for heating, water heaters, dryers, and cooking in DFW homes. Bills are highest in winter (December–February) and lowest in summer.

  • Primary provider: Atmos Energy (atmosenergy.com)
  • Typical monthly bill: $30–$150 depending on season and home size
  • Set up service 1–2 weeks before move-in
ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
Atmos Energy888-286-6700atmosenergy.com
CoServ Gas940-321-7800coserv.com

Water & Sewer

Water and sewer service is provided by your city or a municipal utility district (MUD). You'll set up service through your city's utility billing department typically online or by phone.

If your home is in a MUD (common in newer developments in fast-growing areas like Forney, Celina, and Prosper), you'll set up water service through the MUD rather than the city. Your builder or seller's disclosure should identify whether a MUD applies.

  • Set up through your city's utility billing department
  • MUD properties: set up through the Municipal Utility District
  • Typical monthly bill: $40–$120 depending on usage and city rates
  • Some cities charge higher rates due to infrastructure investments or water source costs

Trash & Recycling

Trash and recycling collection is typically managed by your city, either through a city-operated service or a contracted provider. Service is usually included in your utility bill or billed separately by the city.

Most DFW cities offer curbside recycling. Some cities also offer bulk item pickup on a scheduled basis check with your city for details.

Mobile Carriers

All major U.S. carriers have strong coverage throughout the DFW Metroplex. T-Mobile and AT&T have particularly strong 5G coverage. Coverage can vary in rural areas and some newer developments on the outer edges of the Metroplex.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
AT&T800-331-0500att.com
Verizon800-922-0204verizon.com
T-Mobile800-937-8997t-mobile.com

TV & Streaming

With strong fiber and cable internet options throughout DFW, most residents rely on streaming services rather than traditional cable TV.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
DIRECTV800-531-5000directv.com
Spectrum TV833-949-0036spectrum.com
YouTube TVOnline supporttv.youtube.com
Hulu + Live TVOnline supporthulu.com/live-tv
Sling TVOnline supportsling.com

Home Security

National providers including ADT, Vivint, Brinks, and SimpliSafe all serve the DFW area. Many new construction homes are pre-wired for security systems.

ProviderCustomer ServiceWebsite
ADT800-238-2727adt.com
Vivint800-216-5232vivint.com
Brinks Home800-447-9239brinkshome.com
SimpliSafe800-548-0526simplisafe.com

Postal Services

Submit a change of address before your move-in date to ensure mail is forwarded to your new home.

ServiceContactWebsite
USPS Customer Service800-275-8777usps.com
Change of AddressOnlinemoversguide.usps.com
Hold MailOnlineusps.com/manage/hold-mail.htm

Texas Driver License & Vehicle Registration

New Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver license and register their vehicle within 90 days of establishing residency.

ServiceContactWebsite
TX Dept of Public Safety (Driver License)512-424-2600dps.texas.gov
TX Dept of Motor Vehicles (Vehicle Registration)888-368-4689txdmv.gov

Homestead Exemption

File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district to reduce your property tax bill. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.

CountyAppraisal DistrictWebsite
Dallas CountyDallas Central Appraisal Districtdallascad.org
Collin CountyCollin Central Appraisal Districtcollincad.org
Denton CountyDenton Central Appraisal Districtdentoncad.com
Tarrant CountyTarrant Appraisal Districttad.org
Rockwall CountyRockwall Central Appraisal Districtrockwallcad.com
Kaufman CountyKaufman Central Appraisal Districtkaufmancad.org
Ellis CountyEllis Appraisal Districtelliscad.com
Parker CountyParker County Appraisal Districtparkercad.org

Utility Setup Checklist

Use this checklist to stay organized as you set up services before your move-in date. Aim to have everything scheduled 2–3 weeks in advance.

  • Electricity: compare plans at PowerToChoose.org (or contact your municipal utility)
  • Natural gas: set up with Atmos Energy at atmosenergy.com
  • Water & sewer: contact your city's utility billing department (or MUD if applicable)
  • Internet: verify availability at your address and schedule installation
  • Trash & recycling: confirm service start date with your city
  • Mobile: confirm carrier coverage at your new address
  • Home security: schedule installation if desired
  • Mail forwarding: submit a change of address at usps.com

Ready to Find Your New Home in DFW?

Nichelle Boyland is a DFW REALTOR® who helps buyers navigate every step of the relocation process from choosing the right neighborhood to closing day. Get in touch for personalized guidance.